Effect of Sensory Additives on Sow Lactation Performance, Subsequent Reproductive Performance, and Nursey Pig Performance

Maximizing nutrient intake during lactation is vital to sow performance as well as litter performance. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the impact of a sensory additive on sow lactation performance and nursery pig performance. Five groups of sows were farrowed, three during winter (October, December and January) and two during summer months (June, July, August). Sows were weighed, and back fat depth was measured, at 110 d of gestation prior to entering the lactation room, and again at weaning. The sows were blocked by parity, and then allotted by BW at d 110 to Control or 0.075% sensory additive (Luctamax® SowVive, Lucta S.A., Spain). Experimental diets were offered upon entry to the lactation room and fed through weaning. Feed disappearance was recorded every three days. Sows were fed 2.72 kg/day until farrowing, and then allowed to eat ad libitum from 24 hours post-farrowing until weaning. A total of 270 piglets were utilized for the nursery trial. Upon weaning, pigs were blocked by bodyweight and then randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments (Diet A, Diet B, Diet C, PC, and NC). No differences were observed in sow feed intake (P \u3e 0.4) in winter months, while an seasonal effect of an increase in feed intake was observed during summer months. In conclusion, in the current study, lactation diets supplemented with a sensory additive improved sow feed intake during summer months, but had no effect in winter months, and improved litter performance and helped maintain sow body condition. Nursery pig performance was slightly enhanced for diets B and C